Feelings & Togetherness
Can I feel happy and sad at the same time?
Puschel enjoyed a visit and already misses his visitor at goodbye.
The short answer
Yes. Joy and sadness can be present together, for example when saying goodbye before a welcome new beginning. You do not have to choose just one feeling. Others may feel differently in the same situation.
An imagined Wusel scene
Puschel and Flauschi investigate
A lovely visit has ended. Puschel sits on the bench. Puschel“I am happy we played together. And sad that our visitor has gone.”
Flauschi sits nearby with some space between them. Flauschi“Both feelings can be here.”
Puschel“Do I not have to choose one?” Flauschi“No. Would you like to talk, or shall I simply sit here?”
Puschel“Sit first. Perhaps I will talk about the funny part afterwards.”
They stay side by side for a while. A smile does not have to push the sadness away. Later, Puschel tells the story of the leaf that landed on everyone’s nose.
Try explaining it
This question is about a fictional situation and considerate actions, not about which feelings you should have.
Puschel looks forward to something new and feels sad about leaving. What fits?
Choose a), b) or c), then explain your choice.
- a)Both feelings may be present together.
- b)He must forbid one feeling.
- c)Only others may decide what he feels.
Show the explanation
Correct: a): Both feelings may be present together.
Yes. Joy and sadness can be present together, for example when saying goodbye before a welcome new beginning. You do not have to choose just one feeling. Others may feel differently in the same situation.
Questions to think about
What two feelings might Puschel have at goodbye?
Show conversation idea
For example, happiness about the visit and sadness about the goodbye. Other descriptions are possible.
What would feel comfortable: talking, sitting quietly or something else?
Show conversation idea
You can choose for yourself and change your mind later. You do not have to share anything personal.
Explore in more detail
Here you will find longer explanations and further details. You can explore them together.
Understand step by step
What does this mean in everyday life?
Examples are possible situations. You need not feel a particular emotion or share a personal story.
Two sides of a situation
You look forward to a new class while missing the old one. Joy does not cancel missing it; both can belong to one change.
Words may help
Happy might describe new possibilities and sad the goodbye. Not knowing yet is allowed.
No forced choice
You need not select the correct feeling. A trusted person can listen. The cards show possibilities, not feelings everyone must have.
The key points again
Discovery 1
People sometimes experience different feelings together, such as happiness and sadness.
Source: [1]
Discovery 2
Different people can feel differently in the same situation. There is no compulsory feeling.
Source: [2]
Discovery 3
Sometimes feelings have names; sometimes we cannot name them yet. Listening and voluntary conversation can help us understand them.
Source: [2]